Cameron Clansmen's Oak Wood

[Thomas Cameron]

As some may have already heard, the Clan Cameron Association is in the midst of planning a project that will become a tribute to our collective Clan Cameron heritage, and will also be the unified Clan Cameron Gathering gift to Lochiel by clansfolk.

The Cameron Clansmen's Oak Wood will be planted on the Lochiel Estate, just inside the main gates to the estate, on the left (south) side of the access road. We are in the midst of pre-planning at present, and 50 suitable oak trees, averaging 4 feet in height, have been reserved.

In addition to presenting Lochiel with a very significant gift (since it is traditional to present gifts to a Highland Chief whenever a clan gathers) the oak grove will stand as a tribute to those proud Cameron clansmen of yesteryear and the Cameron Clansfolk of today. Lochiel has agreed to accept this unified gesture, and to set aside the land for the project. Additionally, the oak wood's location is very near the site where the Cameron Clansmen "mustered" prior to marching with The Gentle Lochiel to meet Bonnie Prince Charlie at Glenfinnan. Needless to say, it's a significant location in more ways than one!

In the near future, hopefully within the next week or two, donations for this initiative will begin to be accepted via a special page to be added to the Clan Cameron Gathering website. We hope to have various levels of donations set up, for an entire tree, a portion of a tree and a general random donation amount.

The cost of the trees themselves is minimal, but our on-site project manager in Lochaber (a retired Lochiel Estate factor) has detailed site preparation, earthwork, planting, deer fencing, weed control, general maintenance and a plan for a certain amount of replacement trees (since even the best stock of trees will not "take" 100%). It has been determined that each tree (including all the factors mentioned previously) will cost £100.

I wanted to make everyone aware of the project and the fact that work will begin within the next month or so (actually began in March 2009) and although the trees will already be planted prior to the Gathering that the wood will be officially dedicated by Bishop Cameron at the Clan Cameron Gathering on August 1, 2009. Additionally, we plan on detailing all those donating toward the initiative and the individual(s) that they are donating a tree in honor of. Many are planning on sponsoring a tree in tribute to an ancestor, and others are doing so for their immediate family (children, parents, self).

Stay tuned for additional information, and for word on when the webpage has been "launched."

[Thomas Cameron]

There is wonderful news this evening - the Clan Cameron Association is now ready to beign accepting donations for the Cameron Clansmen's Oak Wood at Achnacarry.

There is a detailed overview and page located at the Clan Cameron Gathering website: www.clancamerongathering.org

We would like to request that anyone definitely planning on supporting this initiative and gift to Lochiel do so soon. Funding for the earth work is desperately needed, as they would like to begin that phase of the initiative within the next month or so.

[Terry Quandt]

Dear Tom et al.,

I checked the Gathering website today (10-28-08) and saw the new posts for paying for Gathering Tickets and for Lochiel's Gift. I have paid for my tickets, and reserved for the Nevis Center Reception Friday evening. I also have prchased an oak tree in memory of my Gradmother, Mame Clark. We never knew her, for she died in childbirth delivering my uncle. My Mother was 3 years old at the time. The Oak Tree idea is simply wonderful. They will be a gift now that could well into the 4th or 5th century from now! What a tribute to Lochiel! What a wonderful legacy for future generations of Clan Cameron members.
I have locked in my plans for Scotland in 2009 through Progressive Travel Management (Bill Blair) in Palatine, Illinois. They handle travel for the Illinois St. Andrew Society.

My sister and I will travel non-stop from Newark, New Jersey, to Edinburgh on July 23rd aboard Continental Airlines FL #36V (7:50 pm). She lives in Tampa, Florida. I will be flying to Newark from O'Hare.

We will be in Edinburgh for the Gathering 2009, and will be staying at the Howard Hotel through July 26. I have already paid for my 2 SILVER PASSPORTS, and will be seated with the Clan Cameron at the Grand Clan Pageant in the Castle Esplanade after the Grand March of the Clans up the Royal Mile from Holy Rood Palace. I do hope the Clan will allow me to march with them.

On July 27, we will drive up to Inverness and stay at the Craigmonie Hotel for 2 nights.

On July 29 we drive to Fort William and will stay 5 nights at the Ballachulish Hotel. This will allow plenty of time for participation in all the Clan Cameron Gathering events.

On August 3, we will be off to Oban for a ferry ride and day-bus excursion to Mull, and an overnight in Oban at the Queens Hotel.

On August 4, we drive to Kennecraig to get the ferry to the Isle of Islay, where we will stay 2 nights at the Port Charlotte Hotel.

On August 6, we ferry back, and drive to Edinburgh via Loch Lamond and Stirling for next days' flight back to Newark, and home.

We are really looking forward to this trip.

My numbers are below.
Best wishes, AYE!

Terry (CLARK) Quandt

808 Sunflower LN
Dyer IN 46311-1087

(H) 219/865-9577
(W) 773/731-9100, ext. 237
(FAX) 773/731-1292
(email) [e-mail]

[Thomas Cameron]

If anyone happens to be a regular reader of The Highlander magazine (arrived in the mail/post today) there is a nice article on the Cameron Clansmen's Oak Wood. This same press release was sent out to other publications as well, and also over 50 Scottish organizations and St. Andrews societies (thanks to Gaelgal, our stead-fast PR Director!)

We're only a month or so away from beginning early planting at Achnacarry, so if you're still interested in having a tree planted in memory of an ancestor, your own family or even yourself, please contact Alan Cameron, Scotland Branch President. They are collecting the funds and will handle distribution to the project manager at Achnacarry. Unlike the Cameron Cairn, which was a continuing project that could be added to for a few years, the oak wood is planned as a one-time initiative, so don't hesitate too long.

[gaelgal]

How exciting! I am so glad it got in!

[Thomas Cameron]

Last night the Scotland Branch notified us that they have resolved the issue of donating funds for the Cameron Clansfolk Oak Wood via the Internet. They are now utilizing a service named Ticketweb, and the details are now up on their website: www.clancameron.org.uk/trees.html. As you may have heard, the plans are for ground to be broken on the wood this month (grading, soil preparation, excavation...early "prep work"). Any clansfolk (and chapters or branches desiring to plant an oak in honor of their membership) who are definite about donating might consider doing so at their earliest opportunity. At last check, a total of 11 trees had already been spoken for, out of a planned 30. We may be able to "up" plans to 50 trees (they are harder to come by than one might think) but at the moment it's only a total of 30 of these impressive oak trees.

Those planning to attend the Gathering will also, now, be able to purchase their admission tickets via the Scotland Branch, at: www.clancameron.org.uk/tickets.html

I'll close, but not before encouraging you all to check the website early next week - we have some wonderful changes coming for clansfolk, celebrating the Year of the Cameron Gathering.

[gaelgal]

Excellent news, Tom, and worthy of broadcasting! Just what I did, too! I already have it in the newsletter to go out this month. Thank you for the updates!

[theking]

Alan I. Cameron: Sir I finally sent in funds for Cameron Oak tree grove. I am hoping you still have my dedication? I would like to thank you and Thomas for making this possible. This dedication is very important to me and my siblings. I have yet to meet them. They have been informed. These trees are dedicated with the love-respect-honour Cameron's have for fought-struggled for for years. Their history will never be forgotten. These trees are strong-willed and will grow with dignity. Their roots will reach out for the truth. These roots will branch out, their foundation is firm. Never to be forgotten these roots are like our blood, Cameron blood, always strong-caring-respectful for all to enjoy for generation after generation. Thank you.
J. Allen W. King(Gordon Cameron)

[Thomas Cameron]

We are pleased to announce two important additions to the Cameron Clansmen's Oak Wood.

First, to traverse the slight ditch located along the access road to Achnacarry, a wooden bridge will be built over to the oak wood. Once crossing the bridge, visitors will find a huge local Lochaber stone, featuring a bronze plaque marking the grove. It is hoped that the stone and plaque (similar in design to the "five arrrows" that grace the gates to Achnacarry) will stand the test of time and mark this historic initiative for generations to come.

[Thomas Cameron]

A brief update on the project. This weekend, based on conversations with Lochiel, it was decided to change the project name from "Cameron Clansmen's Oak Grove" to "Cameron Clansmen's Oak Wood." The project has progressed to such a degree that it seems larger in scope than a mere grove. We have updated (hopefully) all references from grove to wood.

The big news is that tomorrow (2nd March) ground will be broken for the project. We have updates and photos coming soon thereafter, so stay tuned for updates.

Additionally, I have been assured that spare trees have been set aside, so it isn't too late to make a donation and to have an oak tree planted in your ancestor's name, in honor of your immediate family, or in tribute to your Clan Cameron Association branch.